collected 1 of 3

collectedness

2 of 3

noun

collected

3 of 3

verb

past tense of collect
1
as in contained
to gain emotional or mental control of applicants should collect their thoughts while waiting to be interviewed

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in accumulated
to gradually form into a layer, pile, or mass dust has been collecting under my bed for years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in compiled
to bring together from several sources into a single volume or list collected the author's early short stories, which were originally published in several obscure sci-fi magazines

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5

Synonym Chooser

How is the word collected different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of collected are composed, cool, imperturbable, nonchalant, and unruffled. While all these words mean "free from agitation or excitement," collected implies a concentration of mind that eliminates distractions especially in moments of crisis.

the nurse stayed calm and collected

When is it sensible to use composed instead of collected?

The synonyms composed and collected are sometimes interchangeable, but composed implies freedom from agitation as a result of self-discipline or a sedate disposition.

the composed pianist gave a flawless concert

In what contexts can cool take the place of collected?

In some situations, the words cool and collected are roughly equivalent. However, cool may imply calmness, deliberateness, or dispassionateness.

kept a cool head

When could imperturbable be used to replace collected?

The meanings of imperturbable and collected largely overlap; however, imperturbable implies coolness or assurance even under severe provocation.

the speaker remained imperturbable despite the heckling

When is nonchalant a more appropriate choice than collected?

The words nonchalant and collected are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, nonchalant stresses an easy coolness of manner or casualness that suggests indifference or unconcern.

a nonchalant driver

When would unruffled be a good substitute for collected?

The words unruffled and collected can be used in similar contexts, but unruffled suggests apparent serenity and poise in the face of setbacks or in the midst of excitement.

harried but unruffled

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of collected
Adjective
Now available for 40% off ahead of Black Friday, this robovac can clean and mop your floors, while the station will suck out all the collected dirt, wash the mops, dry them out, and refill the water tank, delivering a hands-free experience. Gabriela Vatu, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024 Once the cherries have been pitted—adults may want to help younger kids with this, or at least closely supervise them—kiddos can dump out the collected pits into the trash. Holly Klamer, Ms, Parents, 25 June 2024 These machine learning algorithms can quickly identify patterns and insights in collected data that would normally take much longer for a human eye to catch. Mahshid Ahmadi, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2024 Also, finding one-of-a-kind art at the thrift is a great way to give a personal, collected look to your space. Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for collected 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collected
Adjective
  • The Brooklyn native became the new IBF super lightweight champion with a composed and masterful boxing performance to defeat Liam Paro (25-1) on Saturday night in Puerto Rico.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
  • Even as the weapon appeared to jam, the shooter remained composed, standing over Thompson and firing again before walking away, leaving behind bullet casings inscribed with messages, multiple news outlets reported.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Maureen was very intentional with her communication with these employees, conducting discussions with discretion, composure, respect, encouragement and empathy.
    Janine Schindler, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Yoo’s slick recruiter enjoys more screen time this season, and the actor explodes his character’s chilling composure during a terrifying — and delightfully unhinged — reunion with Gi-hun.
    Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 26 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The report states that the warehouse contained the components for 400 Shaheds, all of which were destroyed and suggesting detailed knowledge of the event.
    David Hambling, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Out of mutual respect, the club did not trigger the option of an additional year contained in the midfielder’s contract, enabling her to depart on a free.
    Charlotte Harpur, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The killings, prosecutors said, stemmed from a drug debt Escobedo accumulated from a cocaine trafficking operation.
    Darlene Superville, Orlando Sentinel, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Through 11 games, Brown has accumulated 56 catches for 946 yards and five touchdowns.
    Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • While some districts spent about $13,000 per student, others spent more than $30,000, according to data compiled by Georgetown University's Edunomics Lab.
    Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Newsweek compiled a full list of the fast-food and restaurant chains open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • This year, the Pinta Pride Project has assembled more than 800 letter writers from across the country to send out cards, letters and drawings to members of the community who have asked to be included.
    Hilary Shenfeld, People.com, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Once again, Schur has assembled a stellar cast of diverse characters, with crisp, whip-smart writing.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The team gathered a sampling of their favorite photo posts from the past year.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 23 Dec. 2024
  • What the Parker probe has gathered about the sun so far has already revolutionized astronomers’ understanding of our planet’s celestial host.
    Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Hoping for a calm four years while waiting out Trump’s term is not a viable option for South Korea, either.
    Robert E. Kelly, Foreign Affairs, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Quarterback Aidan O’Connell did his part and was calm in the pocket, finding Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker for touchdowns and not throwing an interception.
    Vic Tafur, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near collected

Cite this Entry

“Collected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collected. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.

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